Independent Living Agency

The Independent Living Agency is a UK-based nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting residents of Barking and Dagenham with disabilities. Registered under charity number 1064099, the organization focuses on empowering disabled people by improving existing service provision, influencing new services, sharing expertise, and fostering a united voice for disabled people, carers, and vulnerable residents.

Mission and Approach

The agency operates with a strong commitment to the Social Model of Disability and principles of Independent Living. It draws heavily on the lived experience of its trustees, staff, volunteers, and service users—most of whom have direct experience with disability, mental health issues, long-term health conditions, or learning disabilities. This lived experience informs their work to create more inclusive and equal opportunities for disabled people in society.

The Independent Living Agency aims to:

• Improve and integrate disability services locally
• Share knowledge and expertise to enhance service quality
• Develop a powerful collective voice for disabled people, carers, and vulnerable individuals

This approach emphasizes person-centered services and advocates for social change that benefits both disabled people and the wider community.

Activities and Services

The charity provides support tailored to the needs of disabled individuals in Barking and Dagenham. Its services include providing floating support and working on projects that promote health and wellbeing, such as community activities and initiatives like the "Stay Well Stay Safe – Healthy Futures Project."

The organization also supports other groups and agencies to harness lived experience in their service design and delivery to improve outcomes for disabled people.

Governance

The Independent Living Agency is governed by a board of trustees, most of whom have lived experience of disability or related issues, ensuring that decision-making is closely aligned with the needs of the community it serves. The charity's reporting and governance meet the regulatory standards set by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

This summary of the Independent Living Agency highlights its crucial role as a community-focused charity championing the rights and wellbeing of disabled individuals in the Barking and Dagenham area.[1][2][3][4]

[1] https://www.independentlivingagency.org [2] https://www.independentlivingagency.org/about-us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1064099&subid=0 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3942364/governance [5] https://independenceathome.org.uk